Western cyclone., 1887-07-22
not annoy you; I will wait. Good-day,

tory won. In the refuge OF her own room
a flood of tears came to the maiden's eyes
But something of thankfulness for van
Guished temptation mingled with that Bit
terness or remuneration. All was not
gloom, though the lights Of earthly ambi-
ton had gone out. In the exercise OF M
selfshness Agatha Trenton found deep
and abiding peace.
On learning of the vicar Of Hiltworth's s
decease, and Of the Strengthened circum-
stances of his family certain friends in a
southern centre exerted themselves to o0-
tain admission for the two eldest lads into
q high-claSs charitable institution, estab-
.-HeA for the sons of ClergYmel. TIE -
| deaVOr was successful, and 1t seemed TO
| both Agatha and her mother that it would
| be best to remove into the immediate
| neighborhood of the school. The aban-
donment of the vicarage was in any case
| inevitable. There were few ties to bind
the Trentons to HilWorth, and so the pro-
! iect of departure was quickly carried out;
| at MelburY, within sound of the city hum,
| the Wrestle with poverty was continued
under slightly less strained conditions.
| A correspondence was naturally main
tanned between Agatha and several of her
| Midland acquaintance. But in all her
letters the girl was exceedingly careful to
avoid even the most distant and enigmat-
ical reference to Roderick Dalling His
! life and hers had drifted apart, and it was
better that a thick veil of oblivion should
cover the bygone episode Of love making.
| But before the Summer was over a frag-
ment of intelligence had come, which
! Agatha tlied her hardest to receive with
equanimity.
''By the way, there was quite fashion
able wedding here this week." wrote the
unsuspecting friend; MIR. Dalling and
Mabel Sutton have gone into bonds Of holy
matrimOny-isn't that the proper express
sion2'' And then followed details of the
brides dress and behavior, which only a
feminine pen could have mirr0red so ex-
actly, and only lady's eyes could have
been expected to pursue with interest and
with the orthodox admiration.
1T is all ended then-all!' murmured
Agatha, with sigh and stray tear. Il
hope they will be-happy."
She went upstairs, sat down by her
mothers sofa and read with even voice and
unwonted patlos She would crush down
the unlawful repinings at the very outset.
Very nearly two hours had gone by in
this placid, humdrum manner. Agatha's
painting had prOspered, and the heavy
breathing of the gaunt old wolf was no
longer audible at the family door. More
over, Mrs. Trenton was distinctly in health
Gad spirits. The change to Melbury had
accomplished what medicine could only
| feebly attempt. The boys were doing we'll
in their studies, and the three younger chill
dren were becoming day by day more
hopeful The horizon was decidedly
brighter than at any date since the death
of the reverand father, and the good fort
une-SO far as Agatha was cOncerned-had
not yet reached its climax
Strange stores had recently drifted to
Mulbury respecting the doings at Hit
worth. It was said that coal had been
discovered in the vicinity; that mining
shaft had been sunk in a field in the rear
of Messrs. Dalling Bros. mill, and nothing
short of an industrial revolution was be-
fore the entire district. Agatha lOnged to
| explore for herself these wonders, but
scarcely dared to venture as yet into the
possible presence of her ancient lover even
if she could easily have spared the time;
she had to be content with the reports of
her correspondents for awhile.
1t was hot August day, and the silence
OF the Summer -nOOntide seemed to have
penetrated into every cottage and home
stead in Melbury. The ticking of the
c0rnefclock was the solitary sound that
troubled the repose.Of Agatha's trim little
kitchen. The girl was pausing III her task
of setting In order some sketching-ma-
terials. Suddenly ring came at the bell.
She hurried through the passage and
opened the door.
Agatha in persona Surely a good
sign" said Roderick Dalling, impulsively,
with OutStretched hand.
The girl had paled, and with difficulty
repressed cry of eyer joy. Her surprise
betrayed her unquenched affection.
MIR. DallingI Where is-your wife?"
she faltered at last,
MY wife?"
Eyes; heard of your marriage many
months ago."
A sudden light broke upon him
THAT was my brother" he answered
"Dick fell in love with Miss Sutton,
and the engagement was very short
one. You did not think me so tickle
Agatha2"
What could she say? The reproach in
his tone had gone to her heart, and
stirred strange depths of passion and of
happiness She was silent. and her eyes
refused to meet Roderick's earnest gaze
The visitor was standing in the old
LaSnlOne0 parlor now, and without resist
ance he had drawn Agatha to him.
Il have waited as said l would, he
whispered. Il knew the cause of your
objection, and honored you for it, l
meant to make fortune and then come to
you again, if it were years hence. But
you have given me wealth. and all have
TO do is to ask that you will share it,"
"I?-how2"
Instead of taking Brighton villa I
bought the Moorteld You have heard
the result?"
Coal has been discoveries"
That coal would belong to-day to an
other but for your decision of Self-Sacri-
fee. Half of it is fairly yours, Agatha.
Will you accept it?"
RoderiCk had no need Of spoken reply.
S"' low did YOU una me OutE' she
asked, some minutes later
''ThrouCh AliCc Frowdn-l should SIN.